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Fresh XP Install Needed for Mobo Change?

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defiantsf

Member
Hey guys,

It's been a while since I have done a full or partial DIY build. Need your advise. Currently, I have a custom-built ancient P4 3GHz Northwood with (argh) RDRAM. The rig really can't or shouldn't be upgraded anymore. LOL. But I really want to get a faster gfx card for it. I considered the X1900pro agp, but it is basically another dead-end. Thankfully, I got a 530W Enermax PS, so power shouldn't be an issue.

I was wondering if a fresh XP install is absolutely needed if I get a transition mobo (keeping the Northwood LOL), adopt modern & cheap DDR1/2 ram, so that I can add a PCI-E gfx card. I never had the XP install disc, only a recovery disc which itself is damaged. Will Windows accept the changes gracefully, or is the surgery too big and requires a fresh install?

Thanks for the help!
 
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php

In general, its a crapshoot; but its always a good idea to reinstall and start fresh. However, there aren't any s478 boards that support PCI-E. So, you'd be better off building a whole new system. Your only other alternative is the X1950Pro AGP.

What's your budget?
 
Originally posted by: defiantsf
Hey guys,

It's been a while since I have done a full or partial DIY build. Need your advise. Currently, I have a custom-built ancient P4 3GHz Northwood with (argh) RDRAM. The rig really can't or shouldn't be upgraded anymore. LOL. But I really want to get a faster gfx card for it. I considered the X1900pro agp, but it is basically another dead-end. Thankfully, I got a 530W Enermax PS, so power shouldn't be an issue.

I was wondering if a fresh XP install is absolutely needed if I get a transition mobo (keeping the Northwood LOL), adopt modern & cheap DDR1/2 ram, so that I can add a PCI-E gfx card. I never had the XP install disc, only a recovery disc which itself is damaged. Will Windows accept the changes gracefully, or is the surgery too big and requires a fresh install?

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

do what i just did a few minutes ago. order a cheap socket 939 (amd) system or a core 2 duo (intel) system. you'll be much happier...

btw, reinstall to be on the safe side.
 
My budget is flexible, but was really hoping to change the fewest parts possible while minimizing deadend investments. I would keep the DDR and PCI-E gfx card for a new rig later while throwing away the rest when it's time. I agree that X1950 agp or a brand new system is probably my best bet. But I wanted to see if this 3rd option would work.
 
With no installation cd or a damaged recovery disc you're pretty much SOL in re-installing windows. And yes, at the very minimum you will need to do a Rapair Installation of XP, although a clean install is preferred.
 
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